Finally a hot tub that works

Finally a hot tub that works-AHHHHHHH. It's been a couple of days here at Yellowstone-woo hoo no snow or sleet today-it was beautiful. First thing I did was Take the dogs to a nearby lake and let them run-they like that. I've logged about 230 miles in the park in 2 days. And I don't think I've covered 1/4 of it. Did get to see Old Faithful go off today-pretty cool- but the best was the hot spings-OMG. There are about 500 hot springs and gysers in the park (about 1/2 of all in the world) they also have about 1000-2000 earthquakes every year (not big ones usually) but that can affect the gysers a lot. Seems Old Faithful if it has a long episode (2 1/2 mins or more) it will go off again in about 90 minutes. If it has a short one (less than 2 1/2 mins) it goes off in about 60 minutes. I took over 100 pictures today-and I'm sure everyone is getting tired of them- but the ones at Mammoth Hot Springs should not be missed, I didn't really see all the colors until I downloaded them to the laprop-startlingly beautiful. Well I gues we are backk on the road again tomorrow- heading to the west coat in Oregon (newport to be exact) to visit Chuck and Donna. Probably 3 days to get there and then a few days there and down the coast to N cali. Here I come Bill and Karen. TC-Fred

Lazy day

Happy Memorial Day to all! So far I'm being lazy- of course the puppies got an early walk and I've had coffee-woo hoo. Had a less than stellar poker day yesterday-awwww. Getting ready to go find a place to let the dogs run- then I'm heading back to the park to try and get a picture of Old Faithful going off. Weather has turned nice- sunny and maybe 55? This will be my last night here and then I guess I'm heading to Newport Oregon. Looking forward to the drive down the coast from there to N California and then on to L.A. So far the scenery on this trip has been unbelievalbe. I'm so glad to have the opportunity to see so much that I had'nt seen before. Is this a great country or what. Yes that is some baby buffalo there. The Buffalo couldn't care less abouth the people and their cars-lol 2 funny. TC-Fred

Well it's a lot cooler here

Wow a bit of a drive yesterday-but all in all worth it. The views in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana (here at Yellowstone) are just spectacular. The truck performed perfectly-though I did add 2 gals of coolant before I left Rock Springs Wy. But not so much as a blip on the temperature. Thank you Fred's Automotive in Loveland Co. Also a huge thank you to Michael and Victoria Willy- you guys are great hosts and blast to visit with (and your girls are so precious). Enjoy your vacation in the Dells, and say hi to your folks for me. Had a little trouble with the RV- the heater kept not wanting to work and when I first hooked up here at West Yellowstone KOA rv park- the power kept surging up and down. Called an RV repair guy (Bob who lives near Yuma Az.) and he came over and replaced the circuit board works like a charm. The electrical problem seemed to take care of it's self after I gave up-went to town and got chicken. Then all of a sudden I noticed no more surging-oky doky then. It is cold but beautiful up here- I highly recommend it at least once in your life. Played some poker won a small tourney last night (22.50) and finished 3rd this morning trying to win my way into the WSOP (world series of poker). Won a step 1 ticket-now for step 2. TC- Fred

ps-just got back from a quick trip into the park for me and the dogs- I'll post most of the pics on fb

And I thought we had bad wind and sand storms in Texas

Wow a day of 50-70 mpr winds and sand blowing- unreal. It was like being in a hurricane without the water all day. So far the fix on the truck (new radiator cap as diagnosed by Fred's Automative and fred himself in loveland colorado) seems to maybe have taken care of my cooling problem on the truck. I think I still am loosing some from ver preasure-but only 1 little blip in temperaure all the way to Rocksprings Wyoming today. And that was climbing over the continental divide and fighting massive winds. So tomorrow will really tell me if it's fixed- finger crossed. Not much here in Rocksprings to speak of other than cool rock formations and lots of wide open space. I'll post pictures tomorrow-very tired going back to bed. TC Fred

Today was just a day

Kind of took it easy today. I went and dropped laundry and had them wash, dry and fold -only $15.00 not bad. Took lunch over to Michael's for him me and the girls. Then we wnt for a walk through Dawson Sculpture Park. Nice to have something so nice only a 1/2 block from your home (Michael's). Took the dogs up a mountain for a run- aaaaaa they just don't like people on bikes, and that is a problem around here. It seems Lance armstrong is everywhere you look pedeling up the mountain, around the lake, along the highway or on the far away trails. Ok I know I need to get in better shape- but seriously you can over do it-lol. No really my hat is off to all of them- it is of course Colorado- they are somewhat health crazy here, but not to the point of no red meat TG> TC for now- Fred

Ok maybe my math is off

I guess technically this is day 17 on this trip. It sure seems to go by fast- and yet not. Took my truck to a local mechanic-still loosing a lot of coolant while hauling the RV- and it is so nice to know there is still an honest mechanic left in this world. Went to Fred's Automotive and had him look at the truck on the advice of the guys at NAPA auto parts here in Loveland. Took about an hour and he felt that the radiator cap is the trouble spot-he replaced it and come friday we'll see if that takes care of my problem. Wow how nice it will be not to have to put as much water in the truck as I do fuel-lol almost it seems. Time will tell. But I will say this even though I didn't get to meet Fred (he's a very busy man) I did talk with his wife on the phone yesterday to get the appointment and spoke with Richard at the front desk-very nice people. So as of now if you find yourself in need of mechanical help in Loveland-I would recommend Fred's! The people up here are so nice and the weather is just perfect. Had a nice rain last night (woke up to lightning and a patter on the roof. Made for a really nice morning and its still very coooool here. Found a great place to let the dogs run. And bot do they like to run- where do they get the energy. TC-Fred

Day 15 nice and cool very relaxing-except for internet and phone problems

Well I made it to Loveland Colorado. And all set up at Riverview RV park here. Ohh is it chilly though- it was only about 45 degrees this morning. The drive was pretty harry with all the wind and the mountains from Taos to I-25 was quite the experience. Lots of snow mountains still and my heating system on the RV is not working right. I'll have to look at that today-called a repair guy and he says from $150-300 to fix most likely-oh well the cost of freedom. Looking forward to seeing my cousin Michael and his family- then I'm heading north into Wyoming and Yellowstone- never been there looking forward to it. Hope the mountains aren't too much of a challenge. I'm still loosing a lot of coolant when pulling tyhe RV and it gets a bit aggrivating hjaving to fill the radiator all the time-but such is life. More tomorrow-TC Fred

wow what a day

Man I was thinking I might have bit off more than I could chew- driving through the mountain fromTaos to Colorado was a little harry- and when I got to I-25 there must have been 50 mph winds. I just saw on the news where tracktor trailer trucks ahd beemn blown over and trees downed from the winds. I was a bit scarry. But all is well and I made it to Riverview RV park here in Loveland Co. Stayed here last year and it's very nice. And woo hoo i'm only 2 spots from the dog run. I'm a little tired from fighting the winds so I'll add pictures tomorrow. OMG the mountains were just fabulous andif anyone tells you there is no land left-let me tell you there is and -lol it all seems to be for sale. As was most of Taos NM. There is still snow on the mountains along the continental divide and now I have made it to Loveland Colorado where my cousin lives- and brrr- it's about 55-60 degrees here. Well more tomorrow when I'm rested up-TC Fred

Day 13 in the mountains of New Mexico

Wow what a drive I had yesterday. After spending the night at the casino RV spots headed out about 930am and it was only about 110 miles to Taos where I planned to spend the night. But lo and behold I saw a sign that said Los Alamos. I had never been there before that I know of and of course as you probably know that is where they built the first atomic bombs. So I just trucked on up- man what a beautiful place. The drive up was pretty tough and a little scary at times- especially coming back down. But it was very interesting and I visited the Bradbury Science Museum-it was free and was very interesting as the main displays were all about the Manhattan Project during WWII. They even had models of Little boy and Fat Man as the 2 weapons were called. The views were spectacular as LA (Los Alamos) as they call it is located on top of several Mesas over looking most of New Mexico. It was a neat side trip and I even did some souviner shopping. Then it was on to Taos- and I was just awed by the sight of the Rio Grande Canyon. If I had ever seen this before I didn't remember it. Unbelievable. I must say Taos is somewhat a disappointment- must be off season. The Taos RV park is nothing special but it's close to town and everything works. I might stay 1 more night, depends on the cost (Dan hasn't as yet asked for my money-lol. But the views make it all worth while. Now if I can just get the dogs to settle down a little it will all be good. TC-Fred

you can change as your heart desires

I'm sitting here in the parking lot of what must be the world's worst casino (Hollywood Casino NM). I really think they should have all the trappings you associate with a casino to call themselves that. Oh they have table games- except that they only had craps roulette and blackjack ($5 min) available last night and they didn't have a restaurant (just a snack bar) and no alcohol (thank goodness my rv is well stocked). I had to play poker online from my rv- so sad. Oh well no biggy- got to bed early and of course the puppies got me up early. I got to playing with my nes Garmin GPS Chris got for me for my birthday (TYVM) and decided to do some route changes. I'm trying to take it easy this trip so now I'm going to go to Santa Fe then Taos.A little off the beaten path and I don't think I've been to Taos since I was very little and my Mom used to tell the story of how I had to sleep in the Green wood box at the motel they had gotten there. Always makes me smile when I thin k back on the stories of my childhood- I really had a good life and was so lucky to have great loving parents. We used to take road trips all over this part of the country- lol back then my sister and I would bartend from the backseat-lmao too funny. Well I'll add some more pictures when I head to Loveland to see the Willys. TC-Fred

Back on the road again

Day 11 of this trip. I have to say I'm glad I traveled early today- the views of the mountains and valleys of southern New Mexico were spectacular. It's just sad the pictures don't do them justice. Made it just past Albuquerque- camped out at the Hollywood casino. Not much on amenities but hey $10 for the night and electric hookup with free wi-fi works for me. And they have live poker tables- woo hoo I might just see how I might do later. The dogs are so funny- they get so excited anytime I stop and just about jump into my lap- thinking they are getting to go run around-NOT!-lol. I'm including some of todays pictures (sure could use a companion just to snap photos. I'm about 1/2 way to Loveland already so may take some time and a night in Santa Fe tomorrow. Well enjoy the pictures- tc Fred

It's hard to believe

I've been gone a week and a half now- and El Paso as usual has been fantastic. Hanging out with Wayne Clara and Zack as usual makes the whole trip special. The same goes for Colleen and Lass. The weather couldn't have been better, but I'm looking forward to Colorado and the Willys. I'm trying to take it easy this trip and not having a schedule really makes this years trip so much better. I am going to try and keep my speed down to about 60 mph an d see how my mileage does (it has to be better than the 8-9 m iles per gallon last year). I'm heading out in the morning and I think the dogs are just as ready as I am to hit the road again. Should be some great pictures ahead, and after Colorado I think I'll hit Yellowstone National Park. Never been there an d then on to Seattle. I'll keep everyone posted.

Day 9

What great weather- not to mention seeing friends (who might as well be family). Went to dinner at Lucy's- a small restaurant attached to an old hangout bar the King's X west side on Mesa street. Good food and so cheap. Played a little live poker at the 911 pool hall- not a good night- but thank goodness it didn't cost anything. Went driving around with Zachary for a while- looked at a piece of property- went up to the Mexico border fence took some nice pictures. Also if ever in El Paso try Ardovino's Desert Crossing restaurant. I haven't been there in probably 40 years- I'll have to try it on the return trip. Got some nice pictures of Mount Christo Rey (Christ of the Mountains)- Texas's version of of Rio's Christ the redeemer statue. Must have seen 8-10 border patrol vehicles in the area- I guess if you need a job they might be hiring. And it's probably not a bad job- lots of security at DHS (department of homeland security). Get it- security-lol. Drove over to Pat and Bob Tipton's little ranch/farm- where colleen and her kids are staying for now. Have a nice trip to Chile you guys- be safe. Had a nice visit with colleen- and am back at the RV after a long walk for the puppies- man I'm getting a lot of exercise (a good thing).

Takijng care of your needs on the road

I think the best part of traveling by RV is it can be just like home- if you do it right. Last year while on my maiden voyage with the dogs and the RV I ran into some difficulties getting my prescriptions filled and figuring out what to keep in the RV and what to take back home after the trip. Now since I had left my rig in El Paso last time so they could finish some work that Camping World had started I had failed to make a list of all the stuff I had in the RV. For example I didn't need to bring 6 pairs of shorts, socks, underwear, jackets and now I have about 12 pillows- ahh too much. Actually I could have just gone straight out here and had plenty of clothes to travel with. I think if I find a place to leave the rig here this time I'll make a list of the stuff left behind and I'll be able to travel lighter back to Houston. Also this trip I took special care to get as many of my prescriptions filled for at least 2 months worth before I left. Last year I thought well there is a VA hospital in most major cities and I'll just go in and get refills as needed. Ha- even though they had my info available on computer it was quite a hassle to get them filled, and then they mailed the prescriptions to my home in Houston- excuse me? really? - big hassle. so plan ahead and things will go smoother. Hope this helps anyone thinking of doing the RV thing. Fred

well it's starting to feel normal

I'm starting to get settled into my traveling routine (barring anymore disasters). It's starting to feel like a normal life living in the RV again. Had a really nice day yesterday. Busy but very nice. Got up early (well 715a) and walked the dogs- no problem. Took off and headed over to Wayne and Clara's for coffee with Clara and Wayne's sister Colleen. Wayne was out of town again in Odessa- he is a sports trainer at Burgess HS and their girls softball team is in the playoffs for state. The won again and are now in the sweet 16. Poor Clara Wayne has to go again next weekend, and this could go on till June if they keep winning. Good Luck Burgess girls softball! went back and took the dogs for a run in the desert- oh boy did they like that. Ginger scared up a big jack rabbit and must have chased it 1/4 mile. I thought I'd never get her back. Later Clara and I visited an old friend Veran A very sweet and classy lady) and then picked up Popeye's chicken for us and Coleen and her cute kids Stephen and Brittney. Had a blast teaching them all to play TX holdem. Wayne got home about 1045p. Then came home to the RV and slept like a baby. Clara also washed and dried all m y towels from the previous nights disaster- tyvm. And I did get my Cabinet door fixed ()that I broke last year). So all is good on the road another busy day scheduled for today-tc pokerman

i can't believe

That I flooded my rv. I accidentally left the water running in the sink and I guess my tanks were full- next thing I know the dogs are barking like crazy and i realize the sink is running over and the floor is flooded-oops. well its all good got all the water up and out- drying out today-wont do that again. it's saturday went and had coffee with Clara and Colleen nice visit-fixed a broken cabinet door- great weather so far- this is a nice way to travel- I'm a very lucky man.

what a bummer

Man O Man- could not sleep last night. Don't know why, just couldn't. But that's not really a bad thing- decided to work on finishing the unpacking (it's too funny how much I had in the RV already that I forgot about. Even found my laptop bag and passport-oops. Finally decided to work on the dog screen door protector-got it painted, then unloaded the 2 30 lb. propane tanks from the truck and hooked them up (i guess i have to cook breakfast now), went and washed the truck about 1am (there had been a birds nest in the fifth wheel hitch when I picked it up and 5 little eggs fell out in the back of my truck and broke-oops. that stuff is hard to wash off), then went to WALMART woo hoo and did some grocery shopping, came back unloaded- boy do i have a lot of jiffy muffin mix still in the pantry. then i hooked up the new dvd player/sound system Sondra gave me (that she bought probably 3 yrs ago-lol). And it works-woo hoo.

Then when i did fall asleep about 5a the dogs got me up for their walk at 7a. Tried a different route-oops- big Pitt bull came out after them-but guess what they tag teamed it and ran it off-good puppies. Scared the crap out of me though. Thanks to Chris for scanning my work mail and emailing it. And thanks to my business partner for signing the copies and mailing it out Ok now it's time to cook breakfast.

well another day another 100 bucks

alright y then- spent more money today- but such is life when you travel. going to fix up a screen to keep the dogs from tearing the material on the screen door and not be able to push open the bottom and get out. And OMG why is propane (a by product of the crude oil refining process which they used to just burn off) so dang expensive. U haul wanted $4.95 a gallon for it aaa. got it at camping world for 3.59 a gallon-filled both of my 30 gallon tanks whew. And woo hoo got an rv spot reserved in Malibu on the beach for 9 nights end of June woo hoo. Ocean view. You can all make your reservations now and we'll rotate everyone who wants to check it out-lol. Lots of running around-playing a little poke(came in 7th) in a little tourney. But I have to admit I'm starting to feel a little like a lobster-the sun is really strong here. quiet evening cleaning and fixing up tonight, very relaxing. TC all

just some of the view

I cannot get over the great weather- fantastic. If you've never been to the desert southwest-your missing out big time. The mountains- i keep taking pictures of them even though they always look the same. The weather has been a bit breezy but clear blue skies and it feels like 10% humidity. It was even chilly this morning-lol.

dinner was great and the company was better

http://travlnwtxpokerman.blogspot.com/

a new day dawns

Well a good nights sleep sure does help. I woke up a little chilly (amazing what the temperature swings are in the desert). Moving a little slow today but not so bad. Ran some errands- going to do fixing up on the RV and cleaning as well. Still haven't finished unpacking yet. Spent the evening and had dinner with Wayne,Clara and Zachary. And thanks to the time diffence got to watch Justified on FX. Man I forgot how windy it gets out here All the weather heading east seems to blow through here at 10 times the speed it is going by the time it hits Houston. The mountains surrounding the valley here are just spectacular. I don't know why I ever left (oh yea I do- 2.50 hr here- 9.00 hr in Houston that was in 1976). I'm changing the trailer picture for the new I took this morning-at least it's in focus. Having Salmon at Wayne and Clara's tonight- should be very nice.

wow what difference 750 miles makes

If any of you have never been to the desert southwest-your missing out. It's 1030p mountain tgime-77 degrees and feels so fine- it's so true its not the heat it's the humidity. As some of you know I grew up in El Paso- and yes despite being born in Milwaukee Wisc. I consider myself a Texan. I was brought here when I was 1 1/2 2 yrs old-and there is no place like Texas. Driving in through El Paso Del Norte (the pass to the north) coming down out of the mountains and into the valley that stretches as far as the eye can see (and at about a mile in elevation- Denver has nothing on us) you can see forever it seems. A camera of any kind just can't do it justice. Despite only getting about 2 hrs sleep I went over to Wayne and Clara's (Wayne and I tell people we are brothers) because I can't imagine a birth brother being any closer to me. We met when I was 10 years old at the stables where my sister kept her horse (Tally Ho-lol way before HO had a different meaning) a beautiful strawberry roan. And Wayne lived out in the upper valley and had a horse there as well. Yes folks I grew up in my early years as a cowboy of sorts. Anyway he is married to the lovely Clara Liebman-who i went to grade school with (and says she was always afraid of me. After she and Wayne got together and we met again as adults- well let's just say she's not scared anymore. Nice simple dinner with them an Zack Wayne's youngest. It just feels like coming home when I'm here and with them. well time to hopefully get some sleep and lots to do this week.- tc

I hit the road and now I've hit the wall

Wow- finally got out of the house and hit the road at 11pm 5/10. I was going to nap and leave at 2am-but well that didn't happen. Glad it didn't too. Took me longer to get to El Paso than usual- at night the speed limit after San Antonio is only 65 instead of 80. And of course sine speed limits in Texas are only suggestions- and not laws (lol- it's every Texans right to do 5-10 above the posted limit- I'm sure I've read that somewhere), and since I'm doing this trip without any schedules I took it easy and did the speed limit (no really I did). I must say the puppies ( Ginger and Tiger) were absolute angels. So made it here about 11a mountain time- you know when you travel from one end of Texas to the other you get to travel through time- backwards going west and forwards going east. God I love this state. I'm going to limit the pictures on the blog but I'll post all of them as a photo album. Don't want to be boring anyone- lol well if I do I guess I'll be the only one reading this thing. Sunrise was spectacular (right at the I-10 I-20 interchange just before Van horn. The RV was as ready as I guess Camping World is going to get it. It is so disappointing that nobody in the RV repair business seems to take pride in their work or cares if it's even right- OH WELL- guess I'll have to lean a new trade- add it to the 20 others I'm a jack of and master of none of. Ok I'm seriously tired and am going to sleep for a while- I'm not 20 any more these 36 hr days kill me. Plan to stay here at the gaslight square RV park at least a week- and then-?